In the June 20, 2011, issue of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research is a case study article documenting the resolution of fibromyalgia following Chiropractic care. The study notes that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting 4-6 million people in the United States, and is characterized by chronic, widespread pain of the entire body for more than three months.

The National Fibromyalgia Association points out on their website that fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease that affects people physically, mentally, and socially. They explain that in the case of fibromyalgia , a “syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but are not related to a specific, identifiable cause."

In this study, the author writes, “Ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers are women, who begin to experience symptoms between the age of 40 and 50. Concurrent symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include numbness, stiffness, generalized fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel symptoms, swollen feelings in the tissues, as well as anxiety, depression, and mental fogginess.”

In this case, a 45-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with complaints of migraine headaches, chronic pain in the neck, upper and lower back, fibromyalgia, numbness in fingers, sciatica, right knee pain, depression, and a duodenal ulcer. Her history had a number of issues starting with a traumatic injury sustained from diving head first into a shallow pool at the age of 15. Additionally, the patient was in 10 car accidents over the past 25 years. When she presented herself to the chiropractor, she required a wheelchair to help her complete her daily routine and reduce her tiredness.

Chiropractic examination showed an abnormal posture and spinal positioning with a reduction in most spinal ranges of motion. Numerous orthopedic tests were also positive along with sensitivity to the touch of many areas of the patient’s spine. X-rays of the patient confirmed spinal misalignments and a determination of the presence of subluxations was made. A course of care consisting of specific chiropractic adjustments was initiated to address the subluxations.

The results of this case showed that the woman had steady improvement in her conditions, and within six months of initiating her chiropractic care, she no longer needed her wheelchair for her activities. The woman noted that her fibromyalgia and left leg sciatica had been resolved. Additionally, she reported that she was able to move and perform basic daily functions and sleep in any position. She was also feeling more relaxed and had more energy throughout the day and did not require any medications.